This anonymous interview is with a job hunter who is not currently employed (even if part-time or in an unrelated field), has not been hired within the last two months, and has been looking for a new position for less than six months. This person is looking in academic and special libraries, at the following levels: entry level, requiring at least two years of experience, Here is this person’s experience with internships/volunteering:

Volunteer for over two years at a public law library (in fifth year of a hiring freeze) and intern at law school library for almost a year (hiring freeze for open positions not requiring a J.D,) These positions gave me a lot of experience in reference, access, and technical services. It is important to me to be working in a library while looking for a job, even if I am not getting paid.

Also, I volunteer at a local library doing cataloging. Previously, I help with cataloging and access services at two elementary school libraries.

This job hunter is in an rural area in the Northeastern US and is not willing to move.

What are the top three things you’re looking for in a job?

Offers and encourages professional development.
Pays a professional wage (not $15 an hour requiring a MLIS degree, like two positions open in my area).
Does not require relocating..

Where do you look for open positions?

Professional listservs.
Indeed.
Websites of universities and colleges in my area

Do you expect to see salary range listed in a job ad?

√ No (even if I might think it *should* be)

What’s your routine for preparing an application packet? How much time do you spend on it?

Review library’s website noting staff, mission and vision, and library services.
Revise resume to highlight and expand upon qualifications and experience required for the position.
I spend too much time getting each out; the process usually takes no less than six hours.

Have you ever stretched the truth, exaggerated, or lied on your resume, or at some other point during the hiring process?

√ No

When would you like employers to contact you?

√ To acknowledge my application
√ To tell me if I have or have not been selected to move on to the interview stage
√ Once the position has been filled, even if it’s not me
√ Other:

How do you prefer to communicate with potential employers?

√ Email

Which events during the interview/visit are most important to your assessment of the position (i.e. deciding if you want the job)?